Henlopen North foes clash this afternoon as the Milford Bucs take on CR on the diamond

Thursday

May 3, 2012 at 12:01 AMMay 3, 2012 at 3:16 AM

Two of the top teams from the Henlopen Conference will battle on the diamond when the Milford Bucs take on the Caesar Rodney Riders on Thursday.

Mike Santa Barbara, Staff Writer

Two of the top teams from the Henlopen Conference will battle on the diamond when the Milford Bucs take on the Caesar Rodney Riders on Thursday.

Caesar Rodney comes into Thursday’s match up with a 10-3 record, good enough for third place in the crowded Henlopen North. The Bucs enter the game after a tough loss to division rival Sussex Tech on Tuesday. Milford currently holds the fourth spot in the division just one game behind the Riders in the loss column.

The Milford Beacon sat down with Bucs Manager Nick Brannan to discuss Thursday’s match up with Caesar Rodney.

“They’re a tough conference opponent,” said Brannan. “They only have two losses within the conference – same as us, and I know they’ll be well prepare on Thursday.”

In all likelihood the top four teams from the Henlopen North, Sussex Tech, Dover, Caesar Rodney and Milford, will earn spots in the State Tournament. Brannan sees this late season match up with CR as a challenge and a blessing.

“The Henlopen North is probably the toughest division in the state,” said Brannan. “Playing all these teams, Tech, Dover, and CR really gives us a chance to gauge where our boys are. They’re all going to make the tournament, so we have another great opportunity on Thursday to play a high-level opponent.”

With the season winding down, and a tournament berth all but locked up, Brannan wants to keep his team focused these last four games. After their battle with CR the Bucs will take on Woodbridge, Delmar and Red Lion. How Milford fairs in the last four games will go a long way in deciding where they are to be seeded, So, Brannan and his staff have stressed the importance of finishing strong.

“Basically, we just want the boys to keep their focus,” said Brannan. “Lapses in focus can mean the difference in the game. Put yourself in a hole and it can be difficult to get back in to games against teams like CR. It’s really the little things that can go wrong and change the complexion of the whole game. We’re preaching day in and day out to remain focused.”